PHYS 280: Introduction to the Machine Shop

Text:

Instructors:

Bruno Thut and Laura Van Wormer

Class Project:

This course will introduce you to the basic equipment to be found in a machine shop, the lathe, mill, drill press and band saw. You should understand how they work and be able to operate them safely by the end of the course. You will also have a chance to learn to operate a shaper. You will learn about the tools each piece of equipment requires, and if needed, how to make them. You will learn about materials and how each needs to be handled, the speeds and types of tools. You will be given plenty of time to practice and ask questions, though we will also spend some time on the theory. Hopefully each of you will leave having made a useful piece of equipment.

Band Saw (pp 329-340, 352-368)

uses (sawing, parting)

operation – introduction to how the band saw functions (how it is driven, belting, speeds, lubrication) and what all the knobs and controls are.

set up – how to select your raw stock

selection of saw blade

what kind of cut do you need to make and how do you do it? Selection of speed à selection of part support

Drill Press (pp 369-412)

uses (drilling, tapping)

operation – introduction to how the drill press functions (how it is driven, belting, speeds, lubrication) and what all the knobs and controls are.

set up – how to mount your raw stock

selection of tooling

what kind of cut do you need to make and how do you do it? Selection of tool à speed à position of drill

Lathe (pp 422-490)

operation – introduction to how the lathe functions (how it is driven, gearing, speeds, lubrication) and what all the knobs and controls are.

set up – how to mount your raw stock (chuck and tail stock or other support)

selection of tooling (tool posts, cutting tools)

what kind of cut do you need to make and how do you do it? Selection of cut à tool à speed à feed à position of tool and cross slide

Tool Grinding/ Lathe (pp 437-444)

We will have a selection of tooling, show you the different types of cut each makes and learn how to make and use each tool.

We will start out with center drilling so we can support the raw stock in the tail stock. Next we will turn the outside diameter (OD) with a rough cut and a finishing cut to specified dimensions. (pp 458-480)

We will then learn about threads and threading (thread relief undercut, selection of thread pitch and necessary gearing). (pp 500-517)

Mill (pp 549-584)

uses (milling, boring)

operation – introduction to how the mill functions (how it is driven, gearing, speeds, lubrication) and what all the knobs and controls are.

set up – how to mount your raw stock

selection of tooling

what kind of cut do you need to make and how do you do it? Selection of cut à tool à speed à feed à position of tool

Tool Sharpening/Mill

Shaper

uses (shaping, rough cutting)

operation – introduction to how the shaper functions (how it is driven, gearing, speeds, lubrication) and what all the knobs and controls are.

set up – how to mount your raw stock

selection of tooling

what kind of cut do you need to make and how do you do it? Selection of cut à tool à speed à feed à position of tool

Other topics as they arise:

Types of steel (alloy ingredients and their functions) and nonferrous materials (pp 207-223)